Whale watching in South Africa: A complete guide.

It’s a wildlife experience that can be enjoyed in many different regions of the world, but why is whale watching in South Africa so special?

Nearly thirty different species of whale and dolphin can be seen off the coast of South Africa making it one of, if not, the premier destinations you can head to with a great chance of encountering these gentle giants of the oceans. With a vast array of whale watching activities by land, sea or air – there’s without doubt an experience to suit everyone’s bucket list.

Popular species to look out for

When to go

Whale watching season coincides with winter in South Africa, starting as early as May but it really starts to make a splash around late June and early July, stretching until early December. This is when the majority of migrating pods travel up from the cold waters of the Antarctic, heading north along the eastern coast of Southern Africa as they go in search of warmer waters to breed and also calve off the coastal waters of Mozambique and Madagascar. The migratory route through South African waters isn’t just in one direction, whales will make their way south back towards the nutrient rich waters of the Antarctic right the way through to early December.

The whales’ migration northwards also coincide in some months with the Sardine Run which happens between May and July where billions of South African sardine spawn in the cool, nutrient rich waters of the Agulhas Banks before heading northwards in search of warmer waters – a remarkable sight to behold in itself. Especially with super-pods of whales and dolphins as well as sharks and diving birds following and feasting on the immeasurable number of sardines.

Peak time: July - September

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Where to go

The whales’ migratory route, both north and south takes them through several of South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas along the south and east coast such as Table Mountain National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Sardinia Bay, Addo, Pondoland and Isimangaliso, to name just a few. Here are some of the best places to watch whales in South Africa.

1. Hermanus - the whale-watching capital

First on our list is Hermanus, heralded the capital of whale watching in South Africa. Located only a short 2.5 hour drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is easily accessible and offers arguably some of the best land-based and boat whale watching in the world. One of the reasons the whale watching is good here is that the waters run deep until close to the shore, this means that the whales (migratory southern right whales and resident Bryde’s whales) swim right up to the bay so can be seen from the clifftop paths, or even from the beach. You can also take a boat trip to spot whales in the sea with plenty of tour options available.

Hermanus’ culture is so enveloped around the whales that they hold an annual Whale Festival and they have the only ‘Whale Crier’ in the world who blows a horn to mark the arrival of the marine visitors and has a responsibility locating and staying with the whales as they visit for the season (June to October).

Aside from whale watching, Hermanus has stunning sandy beaches, plus plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Where to stay in Hermanus – Birkenhead House

Boat trips

If you are traveling to Hermanus in hope of seeing whales, whilst you can spot these from the shore, we'd highly recommend joining a three-hour boat trip along to coast to travel alongside these magnificent beasts. Whilst as with any wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed, but during the 'whale season' you are highly likely to get lucky, and your experienced crew will be able to tell you about the species and surrounding area.

Boat trips should be booked in advance (and can easily be done through your hotel or in the town), and in the unlikely event that there is bad weather, they will contact your hotel to rearrange or refund you.

Cliff path

An absolute must whilst you are in Hermanus is to explore its famous coast park between the New Harbour and Piet-Se-Bos. The path is 12km long and has scenic ocean views giving you plenty of opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and even sea lions. There are plenty of benches along the route so you can stop and marvel at the view (or just enjoy a little rest).

Favourite Trip: Cape Town, the Winelands and Hermanus

Start with a few days in Cape Town where you can climb Table Mountain, visit Robben Island and take a day trip to Cape Peninsula spending time at the Cape of Good Hope and visiting the penguins at Boulder's Beach.

Then it is onto Franschhoek to sample some of the delicious wines on offer. The Wine Tram allows you to easily visit multiple vineyards in a day so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery (and wine!).

Finally, it is onto Hermanus to spot some Southern Right Whales. Staying at One Marine Drive, you have the chance to spot whales both on a boat trip and also from the clifftop path near the hotel.

12 days from £2,350pp

View Trip

2. False Bay – Cape Town

Next up, the closest option to Cape Town, False Bay, got its name because long before GPS was invented and used in sailing, mariners of old returning from long sea voyages from the east confused this stunning bay with the now more famous Table Bay further along the coast.

Home to colonies of Cape fur seals, a great place to surf and of course on the migratory route of Humpback, Bryde’s and Southern right whales during the winter months. Whale watching can be done two ways, either from one of the long sandy beaches within the crescent-shaped bay or by chartered whale-watching boats.

Where to stay Tintswalo at Boulders

3. Overberg, Southern Cape & De Hoop Nature Reserve

Further along the coast from Hermanus (around a 2-hour drive) this area extends through the Cape Agulhas which is the southernmost tip of Africa and where two oceans meet – the cold waters of the Atlantic and warmer waters of the Indian intermingle, making it a big draw for the migrating whales.

The area off the coastline has been declared a Whale Sanctuary Marine Protected Area which means that no unauthorized boats of any kind are permitted during the peak courting, breeding and calving season between July and November.

Nature lovers looking for true escapism should venture to De Hoop Nature Reserve and the world-famous De Hoop Dunes which are renowned as an epic whale watching spot. Relax in the midst of unspoilt surroundings and watch the gentle marine giants through binoculars as they calve, breach and lobtail (tail slap).

Where to stay - Morukuru Beach Lodge

4. Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route

This magnificent stretch of the South African coastline hosts migrating whales during May and June as they travel north and then again during their return migration during October and November. There are some resident whale species that can be seen year-round such as Bryde’s and even occasionally orca, as well as bottlenose and humpback dolphins (yes, you even get humpback dolphins!).

One of the most popular places to visit in the area and experience whales is the striking Plettenberg Bay with its swirling estuaries, wide empty beaches and steep wave-struck cliffs – you can just imagine the raw beauty of the area. And just to top it off, ‘Plett’ has a breeding colony of Cape fur seals.

Whale-watching trips from the seaside town can be by boat, kayak and aircraft with viewing distances strictly monitored to minimize interference to the whales.

Aside from whale watching, Plettenberg is a hugely popular spot on the garden route for its long stretches of sandy beaches, warm sea and pretty seaside town with plenty of delicious restaurants.

Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay – The Plettenberg Hotel

5. Eastern Cape

Head further east from Plettenberg Bay and you come to the Eastern Cape. Between May and December, the Eastern Cape hosts all manner of marine visitors such as otters and dolphins – it’s also the time when humpback and southern right whales pass through the area on the migratory route and can be seen almost daily. On occasion it’s even possible to see the whales from the shore, watching their antics through a pair of binoculars.

Not only is the area popular for whale watching it is also a beach-filled haven, with unspoiled natural surroundings and enjoys some of the longest sunshine hours on the eastern coast. For those looking for a little adrenaline-filled adventure, there are superb water-sports facilities up and down the coastline. Don’t forget your kite surfing gear!

Where to stay - On the Beach Guesthouse

6. Wild Coast

A little further north of the Eastern Cape lies the Wild Coast – regarded as one of South Africa’s most spectacular and rugged regions. Rocky coastline, indigenous forests, mangrove swamp, secluded coves and a plethora of river mouths emptying into the Indian Ocean.

The migrating whales don’t tend to come as close to the coastline here as they do in other areas – so if you’re wanting to see whales from land, it’s best to climb a high vantage point with a good pair of binoculars and scan the waters off the beautiful coastline.

As the name suggests, this area is an unspoilt wilderness with much of the coastline being virtually inaccessible to all but those that are prepared to hike or venture on horseback. But all is not lost, there are some lovely, charming lodges some of which have direct access to the secluded beaches of the Wild Coast.

Where to stay – Prana Lodge

7. Kwa Zulu Natal

While Hermanus and the Southern Cape areas may get the most hype – it’s the Kwa Zulu Natal coast which can easily boast the highest number of whale sightings with humpback whales being frequently seen. From late June and early July right the way through to November, whales migrate north to the warm Indian Ocean off the Mozambique coast and then return south to the nutrient rich waters of the Antarctic.

Whales follow the Mozambique Plateau continental shelf and in KZN it passes so close to the actual shoreline that whales can often be seen from the beaches but for a more up close, personal and rewarding experience it’s certainly worthwhile booking a whale watching excursion from the sleepy, relaxed town of St. Lucia which is located in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, which in itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay – Makakatana Bay Lodge

Interview with Capt. Berno Philipson – Whale Watching Boat Captain

What makes whale watching in South Africa so good?

“Whale watching in South Africa is so spectacular because of the massive diversity that can be found along the coastline. Along the east coast we have the continental shelf which is basically the whale migration hi-way.

The larger part of the hump-back population will migrate along this shelf and in KZN it brings them right into the shores near St. Lucia where it is a calving and mating area, breaching humpbacks can often be seen from the beach as they compete for females.

Over the years in St. Lucia and working with whale I have seen so many species; Humpback, Minke, Brydes, Long and shortfin pilot whales, Orca, False Killer And Pigmy Killer whales, Southern right, and Sperm whales… not to mention the dolphin species which are also found along the coast. So, as you can see the diversity is something really special”.

Why is tourism and whale watching important to whale conservation?

“Whales are most likely one of the biggest conservation success stories of our generation – with several species going from the brink of extinction to healthy populations around the world.

Whale watching in general helps to raise awareness of whale conservation throughout the world, and how the oceans are so dependent on what we as a people do in general. There are numerous threats to our oceans such as pollution, spillage, plastic and so on that put the lives of marine life not just mammals at risk.

By creating awareness through the whale watching industry and educating people about the plight of the oceans, the industry plays a key role in this and will hopefully remain doing so. So, education is the key to conservation and tourism plays that very vital role in this case.

What makes whale watching special for you?

“When you look at the greater scheme of things, I have come to realise that with all that exists in the world, we as humans are not at the top of the food chain but we are simply the caretakers and have a moral responsibility to ensure that we look after this planet. Whales to me are a sober reminder of this responsibility and every year I look forward to the return of the whales and with their increasing numbers it shows that there is hope that we as a people, will conserve other areas that need it so badly and that the plight of the planet might become a passion to everyone. I am one of a fortunate and select few that can say I am living my dream - doing what I love, spending time in the company of whales and educating people about these magnificent creatures”.

Whale watching boat experience – what to expect

Imagine yourself here… you are on a whale watching boat just off the coast of South Africa, the skipper of the boat has located a pod of whales in the distance when all of a sudden near to your boat a female humpback breaks the surface of the water with a giant breach filled with raw power and majesty it almost seems to be happening in slow motion. It may sound like the stuff of fantasy, but this is certainly possible, I’ve even heard a story where a humpback whale has rested its tail on a boat for a moment leaving those on board astounded with their close encounter with such enormous yet gentle creatures of the ocean.

If you’re taking photography equipment with you, make sure you bring something waterproof to safely keep it protected when not in use.

For those who are susceptible, make sure you get hold of some seasickness tablets and take them at the appropriate time before your trip – I’ve seen a few guests who have spent a good portion of their whale watching safari hunched over the side of the boat and ‘feeding the fish’.

All respectable and licenced whale watching operators will have strict safety measures in place and provide life jackets which they will insist on being worn for the duration you’re at sea – after all, safety is paramount. Some whale watching operators will also have a minimum age restriction (usually around 12 years old) – again this is for safety reasons so it’s best to check to in advance of booking a tour to avoid any disappointment.

What to wear

Breaking down the whale watching lingo

When you head to South Africa and go whale watching there’s a few key words that your guide will use, so why not embrace your inner Marine Biologist, get ahead of the game and learn them before you go – that way you’ll know exactly what to look out for whilst you’re out on the water.

Breaching – Rising and breaking through the surface of the water sometimes in spectacular style.

Interesting fact: When whales breach, they do this for a number of reasons, a) communication b) males do this to show off and compete for females c) they’re cleaning themselves – they shock of the impact helps to remove dead skin and parasite, in effect they’re giving themselves a bath!

Blowing/Spouting – Exhaling air at the surface of the water through their blowhole, which is accompanied by a spout of condensed water vapour - this is part of the normal breathing pattern of whales.

Lobtailing – Lifting the tail vertically above the water and then slapping it on the water’s surface causing a loud slapping sound, another means of communication for whales.

Spyhopping – Lifting the head above the surface of the water as far as the flippers – basically having a good look around.

Logging – lying in the water with the back and head above with the tail below.

How to arrange your whale watching safari

Whale watching along the coast of South Africa is the perfect compliment to a big five safari and hopefully this guide has given you some insight and inspiration – all that’s left to do is to speak with our South Africa travel experts and start planning your complete safari adventure.

Wondering when you visit South Africa? Take a look at our guide on the best time to visit South Africa.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

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